How do antifoulings work?

Antifouling paints work by delivering a controlled, steady release of biocide (such as copper) from the paint surface into the microscopic layer of water next to the hull. It is this layer of biocide that stops the fouling from settling. Modern antifouling paints are specifically formulated to release just the right amount of biocide to keep the surface clean throughout the season, without the need to scrub your boat. How do we do this? It’s simple to control fouling, yet the process is a complex one! The paint must be formulated to release just enough biocide to stop fouling but no more.